Press Releases

PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ- Last year, the goal of the Paws in the Park Committee was to raise enough funds to equip all of the K-9s in the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office with bullet proof vests. At its meeting on April 10th, 2018, the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders honored three individuals with proclamations, each of whom purchased a $3000 bullet proof vest for the K-9 unit.

Thanks to their commitment, and the efforts of the Paws in the Park Committee, all 16 dogs within the Sheriff’s K-9 unit now have a bullet-proof vest. The vests, supplied by the vendor K-9 Storm Inc., are custom made for each dog, lightweight, designed to minimize heat, and can stop bullets as well as blade weapons.

“The community’s response to the efforts of Paws in the Park has been tremendous and encouraging,” said Freeholder Director Sandi Lazzara, who spearheads the event. “There is a passion amongst residents to protect these dogs who unselfishly protect our residents every day, and we are grateful for such stronger supporters.”

The three honorees at the meeting include Al DeMarzo, a former resident of Paterson and Hawthorne, Mark and Wanda Shefts, the co-owners of the Onyx & Breezy Foundation, and a third donor who wishes to remain anonymous. Al DeMarzo worked as a police officer for the Passaic County Parks Commission and Haledon PD. Today, he is a successful business owner who supports local adoption agencies “Humane Tomorrow” and “DFW Rescue Me.” Mark and Wanda Shefts are the owners of the non-profit Onyx & Breezy, which directly supports funding equipment for medical facilities, research, spay and neuter programs, disaster relief, and other endeavors that benefit the welfare of animals.

“We are pleased to have achieved this year’s goal for Paws in the Park and provide protective vests for all our county K-9s,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Bruce James. “Paws in the Park continues to become bigger and more popular with each year, and all of us are looking forward to a third successful year.”

Paws in the Park is an annual event held every Columbus Day weekend. This year’s Paws in the Park will take place on Saturday, October 6th from 10am-4pm, with Sunday, October 7th as the rain date. All proceeds from the event directly benefit the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, but the focus of the event is on local shelters and adoption agencies seeking forever homes for pets in need. Highlights from the event include demonstrations by the Sheriff’s K-9 unit, pet contests, discounted micro-chipping, and other resources and entertainment for current pet owners.

TRENTON – Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly (D-Bergen/Passaic) issued the following statement regarding the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee’s public hearing on the issue of affordable housing in New Jersey:

PATERSON -- Greater Bergen Community Action (GBCA) Head Start/Early Head Start preschool program has open enrollment for children ages 0 to 5 who come from low-income families. Early Head Start serves children from infancy through age 3, and Head Start serves children ages 3 through 5. The programs are available at no cost to the children and their families.

(TRENTON) – The Murphy administration on Monday announced new steps to help New Jersey Medicaid recipients quit using tobacco by making it easier to receive tobacco cessation medications and counseling.

“Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death and disease in ...

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) and Jim Renacci (R-OH-16) hailed the passage in the House of Representatives of H.R. 1861, the Larry Doby Congressional Gold Medal Act. The legislation awards the Congressional Gold Medal to the late baseball star, Larry Doby, who broke the American League’s color barrier in 1947.

PATERSON, NJ – Mayor Andre Sayegh today appointed Mike Powell as the city’s economic development director for the new city administration.

“Just as Alexander Hamilton looked to the Great Falls and saw the future of our nation, we look to the Great Falls and all of Paterson’s resources and see the prosperous future of our great city,” said Sayegh. “Michael’s role as economic development ...

It’s that time of year when the temperature goes up and heat and humidity, which can be deadly, make being outdoors very uncomfortable. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 600 people in the United States are killed by extreme heat every year. The American Red Cross has steps you can take to help stay safe when the temperatures soar.

“It’s important for everyone to ...

It’s that time of year when the temperature goes up and heat and humidity, which can be deadly, ...

PATERSON, NJ – Mayor Andre Sayegh today promoted William R. “Billy” Rodriguez as director of the Department of Public Works (DPW) in his new administration. Rodriguez is a lifelong Paterson resident who began working with the DPW in 1997.

“I don’t think the importance of this role to the welfare of our city can be overstated,” said Mayor Sayegh. “Tapping into the power of Paterson requires ...

PATERSON, NJ– Mayor-Elect Andre Sayegh today named Vaughn L. McKoy as business administrator in his upcoming administration. McKoy is a Paterson native who has been serving as transition committee chairman.

“Vaughn has extensive experience as an attorney, business executive, and civic leader. He has done a great job in coordinating the efforts of the transition team’s various committees,” ...

PATERSON, NJ– Mayor-Elect Andre Sayegh today named Vaughn L. McKoy as business administrator in his ...

PATERSON, NJ – Mayor-Elect Andre Sayegh today named Kathleen M. Long, a longtime Paterson resident and leader in the nonprofit sector, as chief of staff of his upcoming administration.

“Kathleen is that rare professional who has worked with so many different dimensions of urban communities, and who has such a deep knowledge and love for the City of Paterson,” said Mayor-Elect Sayegh. “She has ...